1. The Basics: What Every Courier Needs
Before you start applying for courier work, you’ll need a few key things in place. Most UK delivery companies require the following:
- A full UK driving licence (Category B or higher)
- Access to a reliable car or van
- Courier insurance (Hire & Reward)
- A smartphone with mobile data and navigation apps
- Right to work in the UK (passport or visa documentation)
Once you’ve got these essentials sorted, you can sign up to apps or companies that match your schedule and location.
2. Choosing the Right Vehicle
Your vehicle determines what kind of deliveries you can do and how much you can earn. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Car: Great for food delivery or smaller parcel routes. Easy to park and cheap to run.
- Small Van: Best for local multi-drop work. Models like the Ford Transit Connect or Peugeot Partner are perfect for beginners.
- Large Van: Ideal for long-distance and same-day deliveries. Higher earnings, but higher running costs too.
If you already own a car, start with that. You can always upgrade later as your courier work grows.
3. Get the Right Courier Insurance
This is one of the most important (and most misunderstood) parts of becoming a courier. Standard vehicle insurance does not cover paid delivery work — you’ll need the right policy before you start.
- Hire & Reward insurance: Legally required for anyone delivering goods in exchange for payment.
- Goods in Transit insurance: Covers parcels or items if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged while in your care.
- Public Liability insurance: Optional but recommended — it covers accidents or damage caused while working.
Many insurers now offer short-term or app-based policies, which are ideal if you’re starting part-time.
4. Set Up Your Courier Apps
Once you’ve got your vehicle and insurance sorted, you’re ready to start earning. Here are the most popular apps for delivery drivers in the UK:
- Amazon Flex: Deliver Amazon parcels in your own car or van. You choose when to work.
- Evri / Yodel: Regular multi-drop routes in local postcodes. Great for beginners.
- Gophr: Same-day delivery app used by businesses and individuals.
- Uber Eats / Deliveroo: Perfect for quick, flexible shifts using smaller vehicles or bikes.
Most platforms require proof of insurance and vehicle documents during sign-up. Once approved, you can start accepting deliveries straight from your phone.
5. Essential Apps and Tools for Couriers
Beyond delivery platforms, there are several apps that can make your workday easier and more efficient:
- Navigation: Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates.
- Route optimisation: Circuit, RoadWarrior, or Routific to plan multi-stop routes efficiently.
- Accounting: QuickBooks or Wave for tracking income and expenses.
- Fuel monitoring: Fuelio helps track costs and mileage over time.
Setting up these tools early saves time and helps you stay organised as your workload grows.
6. Optional but Useful Equipment
A few small investments can make your courier work smoother and more professional:
- Phone mount and in-car charger
- High-visibility jacket and ID badge
- Parcel scanner or delivery bag (if required by app)
- Waterproof footwear and gloves for all weather conditions
These simple additions help you work efficiently and safely — especially on long routes or during peak season.
7. Registering as Self-Employed
If you’re working for yourself or through delivery apps, you’ll need to register as self-employed with HMRC. It’s free and only takes a few minutes.
Once registered, you’ll submit a tax return each year showing your income and expenses. Keep receipts for fuel, insurance, and maintenance — these can be deducted from your taxable profit.
Many couriers use digital bookkeeping apps to make this process effortless.
8. Next Steps to Start Earning
Once your setup is complete, apply to a few different delivery apps to test what works best in your area. Focus on reliability and customer communication — these help you secure better routes and repeat work.
Don’t worry about having the perfect setup from day one — most successful couriers started small and built up over time.
Key Takeaway
To start delivering parcels in the UK, you need the right vehicle, insurance, and tools — but getting started is easier than you think. Once you’ve sorted your setup, apps like Amazon Flex, Evri, and Gophr can get you earning within days. Treat it like a business from the start, keep your vehicle reliable, and deliver professionally — that’s how you build steady income and long-term success as a courier.
